Saddlery and Tack

CAREER CHOICES: SADDLE FITTING

If you are interested in learning more about saddle fitting the first place to start is by taking a look at the Society of Master Saddlers’ website.

On there you will see the different options and opportunities available to you, especially if you are currently working outside the industry. The Society organises a two-day Introductory Course in Saddle Fitting which is run in conjunction with BETA, the British Equestrian Trade Association. The course is open to all those with an interest in entering the field of saddle fitting. It is also open to other equestrian professionals who want to enhance their equestrian knowledge in this area such as BHS Instructors, chartered physiotherapists, veterinarians etc. An ideal route into saddle fitting is to find employment with a Society member who is willing to train you through an apprenticeship. Another route could be to train as a saddler and join the Society in your own right, then progressing into saddle fitting. There is a helpful page on the SMS website to help you find apprenticeships and courses currently available. After initially attending the twoday introductory course, which will not only inspire you but give you plenty of knowledge to start your first steps to becoming a Qualified Saddle Fitter recognised by the Society of Master Saddlers, you will need to complete three years’ experience working with and alongside a QSF. This can be done on a part-time or full-time basis depending upon your circumstances and the availability of a tutor. You would be able to join the Society’s Mentor Scheme as a trainee saddle fitter which is open to those who have attended the Introductory Course. This is an ideal way to develop your training and skills whilst working towards the five-day qualification course. All of those training to become a saddle fitter and working towards the Society’s City & Guilds Saddle Fitting course and assessment will need to undertake training in saddle flocking and attain the Society’s Saddle Flocking Qualification before attending the QSF course. Full details of the requirements for the exam can be found on the SMS web site under ‘Training’ then ‘Courses’. You can train for this where you wish or at one of the establishments listed. Your final step to becoming a QSF on completing the five-day course is to complete a final assessment leading to your SMS Registered Qualified Saddle Fitter status. It really is that straight forward! The Society’s aims are to safeguard the quality of work, services, training and qualifications of all those who work in the saddlery trade from manufacturers and retailers through to individual craftspeople and saddle fitters. With this in mind the SMS formulated the Qualified Saddle Fitters course, a more advanced course aimed at saddle fitters who have been fitting saddles for a number of years and who want to refine their saddle fitting to the standards promoted by the Society and approved by City & Guilds.

IT IS SO EASY TO DREAM OF WORKING OUTSIDE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE IN AN OFFICE JOB AND CRAVING FOR SOME FRESH AIR. WITHOUT DOUBT IF YOU WANT VARIETY, A DAY THAT IS NEVER THE SAME AND HAVE A PASSION FOR HORSES AND PEOPLE, A CAREER IN SADDLE FITTING COULD BE THE ANSWER.

QUESTION: “I have a showjumper that has very high withers and fitting a

saddle is causing problems can you help?”

ANSWER: “The fashion at the moment in showjumping is very much for flat seated close contact saddles with short tree points and minimal foam panels. I am afraid it will be unlikely that you will be able to fit such a saddle to your horse no matter what any of their salesmen tell you so please put that out of your mind. However, a Society of Master Saddlers Qualified or Master saddle fitter (a list of QSFs and MSFs can be found on The Society of Master Saddlers’ website where they are listed by county or country) will know how to get a saddle made that will fit your horse beautifully whilst giving you a similar feel. There seems to be a belief that longer tree points are somehow bad – that they will restrict the horse when jumping - but I have never seen any evidence for this either in scientific research, or in use. If your horse has a high wither it means that the rib cage will be sitting much lower, and it is this that supports the saddle. Short points and a minimal panel will just mean that the muscles running beneath the saddle are compromised – they cannot carry weight and cannot work properly when so restricted. Because of this your perfect saddle, one that you can use without the addition of various and several pads will likely have longer tree points and a deeper cut panel at the front. It may also be necessary to have deeper gussets to the rear to balance the saddle for you. It is possible that the tree needed to follow the contours of your horse’s back has more ‘dip’ in the seat than you would like but a skilful saddler can make it so that it looks and feels flat for you whilst giving the best possible support to your horse. Whilst you might not find such a saddle ‘off the peg’ for your horse, a SMS QSF or MSF will know how to achieve a good fit that satisfies both you and your horse.

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

FORMER SOCIETY OF MASTER SADDLERS’ PRESIDENT, KAY HASTILOW PROVIDES ADVICE ON FITTING A HORSE WITH HIGH WITHERS.

Continued from previous page...

You will be required to pass an assessment, which will include a written paper and practical units in conformation and action inhand, saddle assessment and fault identification, taking template measurements and a practical saddle fitting assessment. Once a Saddle Fitter achieves their qualified status they will need to attend a refresher day every two years to maintain their qualification. Qualified saddle fitters should also gain CPD points and attend additional training seminars when they can to maintain their knowledge to current standards. These days are also a great chance to meet and socialise with other likeminded SMS members within the same industry and learn from each other. Don’t forget to take a look at the SMS website. You will find it is full of very informative advice on what each step to becoming a Qualified Saddle Fitter consists of. Take your time to research the website and feel filled with confidence to take the leap from your everyday office job to your dream saddle fitting career.

www.mastersaddlers.co.uk

Product Suggestions...

The Sprenger Comfort Roller Super Soft Spur has been developed with a rowel that is significantly thicker and more rounded than on the original Comfort Roller spurs. When in contact with the horse, the rowel rolls with the horse and thus avoids rubbing and chafing on the fur and skin of sensitive horses. With its unique fit and design, the spur can be adjusted to the foot by bending and the intelligent spur strap loop helps provide a perfect fit on the boot. RRP: £64. www.zebraproducts.co.uk

The Carbon Ultralight Dressage Whip from Fleck is the perfect riding aid. Whether for professional or recreational use – Fleck dressage whips meet the demands of the most discerning riders. The Carbon Ultralight features a non-slip PU grip and a plastic cap. With the high-tech carbon material, this whip makes for relaxed riding and maximum precision when it counts! RRP: from £35. www.zebraproducts.co.uk The Apley and Irnham Bridles from Cathedral Equine are leather bridles featuring a drop noseband which helps to prevent your horse from opening their mouth and crossing their jaw. Made from premium black leather, the Irnham Black Snaffle Bridle with drop noseband features stunning rose gold piping detailing on the noseband, rose gold fittings and a fully adjustable throat lash at each side. RRP: £64.99. www.cathedral-equine.co.uk

The range of browbands from Cathedral Equine features a browband to suit every taste whether you like full on bling or just a subtle hint of sparkle. All the browbands are designed with a natural curve for comfort and style and are embellished with crystals in a range of colours from classic clear to various shades of pink, blue and purple. RRP: from £15. www.cathedral-equine.co.uk

The Sprenger novocontact Eggbutt Bit with D-shaped rings is ideal for super sensitive horses that do not take the contact confidently. The oval shape of the mouthpiece enlarges the contact surface on the tongue for a soft influence. The bit also allows direct pressure transmission on the tongue and lower jaw due to the fixed mouthpiece. RRP: £146.50. www.zebra products.co.uk

The Nathe Pelham Bit with flexible Mullen mouth is suitable for strong horses and provides contact on the mouth, poll and lower jaw. It features variable rein options to adjust the leverage effect on the poll and bit guards to protect the lips. It is made from high-quality Thermoplastic with a steel core. RRP: £205. www.zebra products.co.uk

BITTING THE YOUNGSTER...

Sprenger Dynamic RS bits are characterised by an ergonomically shaped mouthpiece allowing a soft and even distribution of pressure for a better contact between horse and rider.

The Dynamic RS Full Cheek bit lies very quietly in the horse’s mouth as the cheeks prevent the bit from being pulled through the mouth, making it ideal for the young horse. It avoids inconvenient pressure on the back teeth. Due to the curved joints, the mouthpiece remains in the correct central position on the tongue, letting the rein aids work perfectly with the horse’s mouth and therefore encouraging the horse’s confidence in the rider’s hand and increasing safety. Thanks to the patented ergonomic shape, the rein aids reach the horse’s mouth in a more targeted manner. The pressure generated by the rein aid is distributed over the entire tongue, which acts like a cushion in the mouth. The ergonomically formed mouthpiece allows a rapid and balanced effect on the tongue. It fits perfectly into the tongue and mouth contours, resulting in soft and even pressure on the entire tongue area with no pressure to the palate, encouraging the horse to chew and the effect is precise and effective. The bit is ideal for sensitive horses or those with a fleshy tongue as it lies steady in the horse’s mouth and gentle on the corners of the mouth, supporting contact to the corners of the mouth in an extremely effective way, keeping the horse on the bit. Due to the fixed mouthpiece, the bit allows direct pressure transmission on the tongue and lower jaw. The lateral contact helps horses that tend to fall out whilst riding or approaching an obstacle. The fine lozenge can direct gentle pressure pivotally onto the tongue. The cheeks are most helpful with turning aids, especially with young horses. The gentle pressure against the face on the outside of the turn supports the rider’s aid, making turns much easier for the horse to understand and for the rider to carry out. The upper part of the cheeks are curved outwards away from the horse to avoid uncomfortable pressure on the jaws. The middle link of the mouthpiece is turned to the front by 45°. This unique angle is the only way to get true contact with the tongue. When a contact is taken, the mouthpiece rolls smoothly over the horse’s tongue and stimulates it in a gentle but effective way. Clearly defined aids can therefore be given through the reins without squeezing the tongue, making it a great bit for the younger horse. The Sprenger Dynamic RS is made from ‘Sensogan’ metal, a distinctive composition of copper, manganese and zinc. Horses like the taste and the warmth of the metal and it encourages the horse to salivate. This results in the horse mouthing the bit and relaxing the jaw, helping them to accept contact. The Sprenger Dynamic RS Full Cheek double jointed bit is available in sizes 125mm, 135mm and 145mm with a 16mm thickness.

www.zebraproducts.co.uk